Monday, December 22, 2025
ADVT 
National

Lawyers for alleged B.C. hijacker get more time to prepare bail application

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 18 Aug, 2025 11:07 AM
  • Lawyers for alleged B.C. hijacker get more time to prepare bail application

The man accused of hijacking a plane and triggering a security scare at Vancouver International Airport last month appeared briefly at a provincial court in Richmond, B.C., where his lawyers were granted an adjournment.

Shaheer Cassim attended the court virtually from Surrey Pretrial Centre wearing an orange sweatsuit.

He acknowledged he could see and hear the judge, and sat with his hands on his knees throughout the short video appearance, which lasted less than five minutes.

An articling student representing Cassim's defence lawyer, Kevin Westell, asked the court for a two-week adjournment as they continue to prepare a bail application.

The agent confirmed Cassim had agreed to remain in custody until his next appearance, which the judge scheduled for Sept. 2.

Cassim is a former commercial pilot who faces charges for allegedly taking a small aircraft from Victoria's airport on July 15 and flying it over the Vancouver airport before he was arrested upon landing.

The 39-year-old has been in custody at the pretrial facility in Surrey since his arrest and his court files have been placed under publication bans. 

He's been charged with hijacking, which is an offence constituting terrorism, and with damaging or interfering with a navigation system.

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

MORE National ARTICLES

BC Hydro seeks baseload power boost from stable sources

BC Hydro seeks baseload power boost from stable sources
British Columbia's power utility has begun the process to boost the province's baseload electricity generation capacity in a bid to meet the province's growing demand from residents and industries.

BC Hydro seeks baseload power boost from stable sources

Ottawa amps up criticism of Israel over 'appalling conditions' in Gaza

Ottawa amps up criticism of Israel over 'appalling conditions' in Gaza
Ottawa issued a stronger condemnation of Israel's restrictions on food aid in Gaza this week as the country's ambassador continues to reject claims that Israel is violating humanitarian law.

Ottawa amps up criticism of Israel over 'appalling conditions' in Gaza

Inflation volatility, tariff uncertainty keep Bank of Canada sidelined

Inflation volatility, tariff uncertainty keep Bank of Canada sidelined
The unpredictability of the United States' trade war and signs of creeping inflation kept the Bank of Canada's interest rate on hold for a second consecutive decision on Wednesday — even as the central bank braces for an economic hit.

Inflation volatility, tariff uncertainty keep Bank of Canada sidelined

Environment Canada says Canadian wildfire smoke now floating in parts of U.S.

Environment Canada says Canadian wildfire smoke now floating in parts of U.S.
Swaths of smoke from wildfires torching buildings and forcing thousands of people from their homes in Western Canada have travelled as far as Newfoundland and Labrador in the east and Texas in the south.

Environment Canada says Canadian wildfire smoke now floating in parts of U.S.

Steel industry, labour leaders call for government action as U.S. tariffs spike

Steel industry, labour leaders call for government action as U.S. tariffs spike
Canada's steel industry needs the federal government to take swift action as it faces an existential threat from steeply increased U.S. tariff, said Catherine Cobden, head of the Canadian Steel Producers Association.

Steel industry, labour leaders call for government action as U.S. tariffs spike

Carney names former UN ambassador Blanchard as chief of staff

Carney names former UN ambassador Blanchard as chief of staff
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced his permanent chief of staff on Sunday, appointing Marc-André Blanchard, Canada's former ambassador to the United Nations, to one of the most powerful posts in Canadian politics. 

Carney names former UN ambassador Blanchard as chief of staff